A grieving Pope Francis has brought twelve white roses as a touching tribute to his receptionist, who was found dead at her small apartment on the outskirts of Rome, Italy.

Miriam Wuolou, a 34-year-old of Eritrean origin, was seven-months pregnant when her body was discovered and has been absent from work for several weeks due to a serious form of diabetes.
She had worked as front-of-house at Pope Francis' home, a priests' guesthouse Santa Marta for years, acting as a kind of gatekeeper for the pope as well as for the bishops and cardinals who stay there.

After laying the flowers, the Pope sprinkled the coffin with holy water and remained in prayer for twenty minutes.

Miriam is thought to have died alone, of suspected problems related to her diabetes, which had already led doctor to warn that her pregnancy at risk.

Police are investigating a case of neglect and have interviewed family members, her ex-husband from whom she was separated, and most recent boyfriend, thought to be a policeman in the Vatican.